Chris Morris secures Queensland island resort lease
Computershare co-founder Chris Morris has secured another high-profile tourism asset.
The Computershare co-founder has signed a long-term lease for Double Island, off Palm Cove near Cairns, following a state government expression of interest campaign.
Spanning 17.8 hectares, sitting largely dormant for over a decade after a once exclusive resort fell into disrepair. The lease was held by interests associated with Hong Kong businessman Benny Wu before being revoked in 2024 for non-compliance.
The deal expands Mr Morris’ tourism portfolio, which already includes Mount Mulligan Lodge near Cairns, Orpheus Island and Pelorus Private Island off the north Queensland coast and Townsville’s Ville Resort-Casino and Ardo hotel.
Last year the executive was in a high-profile competition with Iris Capital’s Sam Arnaout for Cairns’ Reef Hotel Casino.
This week, realestatesource.com.au reported Mr Morris, via Morris Group, sold the Julatten Hotel, west of Port Douglas, after a renovation (continues below).
Double Island
Once known as a celebrity retreat, Double Island is about 1.5 kilometres off the coast.
Morris Group is planning to raze the improvements as part of a four-stage, $40 million redevelopment including a public beachfront precinct, beach bar, restaurant and luxury hotel, to be named Double Island Lodge.
A pontoon, 24 luxury villas and helicopter landing facility is also expected to form part of the design. The development pipeline is four years.
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